Cleco: (CLEE-koh) A brand name used universally for a series of spring-loaded temporary sheet metal clamps & associated pliers. Different colors are used for different size holes for easy reference.
Dimple: Handsome, aren't they? Also indentations we make in the aluminum (with dimple dies) to allow for a flush surface when riveted, most desirable for exterior surfaces.
Fairing: We're getting a bit ahead of ourselves here, but fairings are molded coverings that make joints more slippery. Usually made of fiberglass due to the complex shapes, and installed after everything but paint.
Fuselage: A German-sounding word that means the main body of the plane; the wings, empennage, propeller, etc. all connect to the fuselage. It's also where the pilot & passengers sit.
Pitch: Up & down to an airplane
Rivet: A sheet metal fastener that is crushed into place. Universal rivets have round heads, flush rivets are...yep. Takes a fair bit of pressure to squeeze a rivet, so Rosie must have had one heck of a handshake!
Slippery: Remember Slip-'n-Slides? Exactly, but we're talking about air instead of water and fewer awkward swimsuit moments. The smoother the surface of the plane (thanks to dimples, countersinks, flush-head rivets, fairings), the faster it goes & the less gas it uses.
